The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1887-04-11
THE DRUMMER BOY.
Saturday Evenings PerfO rmance at
the Opera House.

Saturday Evenings PerfO rmance at
the Opera House
The entertainment given at the Ha-
waiian Opera House on Saturday even
ing, of which Major Hendershot's clever
manipulation of the drum was the CEN
trail feature, was at once varied, enjoya-
BILE and in good taste throughout, many
of the items on the programme being
of a high order of merit. Opening, as
is customary on such occasions, with
the pleasing and familiar strains of the
Royal Hawaiian Band, the second num-
lulu Rifles. Sixteen picked men from
their ranks, under Major Ashford, went
through such man@uvres as the com
paratively limited area of the stage
would permit of. Their drill was charac-
terized by an accuracy and precision
not easy to surpass.
''The Drummer Boy of the Kappa
hammock" was then introduced by Com
mander r. w. Lame, of the Geo. w.
belong Post, in terms both witty and
felicitious. After referring to the very
favorable introductions which the Drum
mer Boy brought with him from his SUI
perior officers and. others, Commander
Lame presented him, on behalf of the
Post, with a handsome pair of drum
sticks, at the same time remarking: 81
hope this drum may be heard of all
men,"
Major Henderson, expressed his graft
fication at receiving this tangible ex-
preston of goodwill, and having done
so, proceeded to exhibit his skill upon
the drum by playing spirited march,
which he had rendered, as he said
hundreds of times before General Grant,
with whom it was special favorite
The air was whistled on the fife by the
Majors son as an accompaniment, and
the effect was very pleasing. An encore
was readily forthcoming, and in response,
Marching Through Georgia" was given
in like manner. "Life on the Ocean
Wave" described as 'the Queens
favorite," as compliment to Her Maj
esty Queen Kapiolani on the occasion
of her approaching voyage, was played
later by the Major and his son, as also a
favorite march of General Sheridan's.
But the Drummer Boys most remarka-
BILE efforts were those in imitation of
locomotive pulling a heavy train over
the Sierra Nevada Mountains and of a
battle. In the former, the beating of
the drum was made to bear striking
resemblance to the painting of the
powerful American engines in their pro-
gress over the heavy mountain grades;
and in the latter the picket firing, the
attack, the rattle of musketry, the roar
of cannon, the bursting of shell, ETC.,
were initiated in a most felicitious
manner.
What was previously described as a
galaxy of local talent went to complete
the programme, the local performance
with those of the gallant
Major. One OF the most effective of
these was a saxaphone quartette by the
Hawaiian Band. The solemn and i'm
posing tones of the instrument were
brought out to great advantage under
the able direction of Bandmaster Berger.
the music being suggestive of some of
Sullivan's best productions. A clever
cornet solo was given by Mr.. Michiels,
first by the band and after
wards by Mr.. Berger on the pianoforte
A vocal solo by Miss A. G. Austin was
much appreciated, the accompaniment
being contributed by Miss Hopper. The
comic element was furnished in highly
Lmusing manner by Major Henderson,,
Who sang The Old-fashioned White
Army Bean" song of the war, to the
une of the g Sweet Bye and Bye" upon
which melody it was to certain extent
parody. In the comic role he was ac-
orded an excellent reception. A read
ng appropriate to the martial character
the entertainment was given by Mrs.
;. R. Hendry, in which the lady proved
erself a clever elocutionist.
The battle imitation, already referred |
D, was reserved till the close, and was
ollowe6 by an exceedingly well-arranged |
result OF the fght-in |
Which the services OF the Honolulu
sit1es were again brought into request. |
- the final sounds of the battle closed, |
he curtain rose upon darkened stage
nd the men were SO disposed as to re-
resent the remnants of an army after
battle. Some were lying dead or
others leaning YEARLY upon !
heir rifles, and now and again the weird
Gene would be momentarily illumined /
Y flash of lightning and the glow of
ne camp fires. This was the last inn
ression left upon the minds of the au-
fence as they rose to depart and formed
n appropriate termination to really
ovel and enjoyable entertainment.
1t was announced in the course of the